Chapter 57

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Chapter 57: Title

The assistant pointed at the computer screen. "Director, look at yesterday’s data. The popularity index of Wei Yao and Zhong Yueli has risen significantly."

"Wei Yao and Zhong Yueli?" The director pondered. "Ah, I recall now. They have a new drama airing on our channel. When did it premiere?"

The assistant replied, "Yesterday."

The director said, "Hmm, it seems the drama is performing well. This should bring considerable exposure to our program… Wait, didn’t you mention trending topics?"

The assistant nodded. "Yes, there were four drama-related topics in yesterday’s top thirty trends, with one about Zhong Yueli’s period costume look reaching first place."

The director smacked the assistant’s head. "Are you an idiot? Though we’re from the same network, their drama’s trends don’t count for our show!"

The assistant chuckled. "But both leads are our contestants. By rounding up, those trends technically belong to our program."

The director glared. "Rounding up my foot! Next time, explain properly. You scared me into thinking our show had issues again!"

The assistant bobbed his head. "Right, right."

The director shifted his tone: "Though it’s true that their drama’s success benefits us. Today’s viewership spike might be due to fans coming from their show."

The assistant agreed: "Exactly. Night drama viewers can watch our daytime livestream seamlessly."

The director waved impatiently: "Enough. Tell the lighting and camera crews to prepare. Today’s broadcast is about to start."

At 10 AM, the director plastered on his trademark fake smile to begin the proceedings.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat. "Welcome, everyone, to the second Match Day of the latter half of the competition with our refreshed lineup!"

"As the finals approach, our promotional video is under intensive production. Today’s task is to contribute to the finals promotion by shooting publicity photos!"

"The theme mirrors our current competition focus—fairy tales! The program group will provide theme-related costumes and professional photography services."

"Each group must submit photos by 9 PM tonight. After post-production, these will be posted on social media at 8 AM tomorrow for netizen voting to determine rankings."

"Now, let’s proceed to the studio!"

On the bus, contestants sat in pairs.

Wei Yao told Song Yutian: "Today’s challenge sounds simple—just taking photos. What do you think, Yutian?"

Song Yutian replied: "Deceptively simple. The program group likely has traps prepared."

Wei Yao asked: "How could photo-taking be tricky?"

Song Yutian mused: "Maybe they’ll provide eccentric costumes or require us to source our own props?"

"Possible…" Wei Yao nodded before teasing, "But you’re gorgeous enough to rock any style, right?"

Song Yutian smiled, but Zhang Chenyang interjected from across the aisle: "Yutian, Yao Yao, you’ll make stunning photo partners!"

Song Yutian glanced coldly at Zhang Chenyang, maintaining her already poor impression of him.

Wei Yao responded: "Thanks for the compliment!"

Liu Mengyuan watched Zhang Chenyang with amusement from their shared seat. Her sole program goal was fame—having declined other projects for this top-rated show. Originally hoping to partner with popular male contestants for CP buzz, she’d been paired with the obscure substitute Zhang Chenyang after Qin Yuanzhuo’s withdrawal.

Zhang Chenyang continued: "At least Mengyuan and I have complementary genders—I can accentuate her beauty. Unlike you two competing beauties who fear being outshone."

Wei Yao’s expression tightened at this provocative remark. Oblivious, Zhang Chenyang chuckled at his own "wit": "Hah! Am I right?"

Song Yutian mentally rolled her eyes, confirming her opinion of Zhang Chenyang’s fundamental disrespect.

When his laughter faded, Song Yutian stated icily: "Mengyuan doesn’t need enhancement. You should focus on your own presentation to avoid visual discord."

Liu Mengyuan looked surprised, while Zhang Chenyang froze.

Song Yutian continued: "As for Yao Yao and me, spare us your concerns. Our audience isn’t as superficial as you."

Live-stream bullet comments erupted:

[Can Zhang Chenyang engage his brain before speaking? Not funny!]

[We appreciate all beauties equally!]

[Sister Song’s clapback! Chef’s kiss!]

[Zhang just surpassed Gong Yu as the most annoying contestant!]

Twenty minutes later, the director announced: "The program group has prepared costumes. Before shooting, you’ll need to select outfits and accessories in the styling room."

"Please note, the clothes and accessories provided by the program group are divided into four categories. Each contestant’s styling must incorporate items from all four categories simultaneously. It’s first come, first served—grab what you want immediately. Otherwise, if the shooting effect turns out poorly, the program group won’t be responsible!"

"Due to limited space in the styling room, only one member from each group can enter to select items. Now, each group will draw lots—the member who picks a red stick will become their group’s representative."

After speaking, a staff member produced a small box with a hole for drawing.

In Song Yutian and Wei Yao’s group, Wei Yao drew the red stick.

Wei Yao looked distressed: "What should I do, Yutian? I wish you could go instead. I don’t know how to choose properly."

Song Yutian reassured her: "Just follow your instincts."

Wei Yao nodded reluctantly: "Alright, we’ll manage with what we get."

The other group representatives drawing red sticks were Shen Xi, Liu Tian, Pei Hao, and Zhang Chenyang.

After the draw, at the director’s signal, the five representatives sprinted toward the styling room.

The cramped styling room, already crowded with the camera crew, became nearly impassable when all five contestants barged in.

Four clothing racks stood in the center, each labeled alphabetically. Following the rules, each representative needed to collect at least two items per rack for their duo.

Rack A displayed multicolored wigs in every neon shade imaginable—crimson, tangerine, canary yellow, emerald, azure, and violet.

The glaring colors immediately captivated most contestants.

Within moments, the few natural-colored wigs vanished.

Petite Wei Yao was jostled by Zhang Chenyang during entry, ending up at the rear. She nearly fell before Pei Hao steadied her.

Approaching Rack A, Wei Yao found only the most garish wigs remaining.

Other racks revealed Rack B with skirts and tops, Rack C with trousers and accessories, and Rack D with footwear—all equally bizarre and fluorescent.

Wei Yao murmured despairingly: "Heavens, Yutian, what should I choose?"

Minutes later, contestants began emerging. Wei Yao exited last, her small frame buried under clothing piles, a basket dangling from her arm.

Dumping everything on a sofa, she apologized: "Sorry, Yutian, this was all I could get."

They sorted through the items Wei Yao had gathered. Among them were two wigs in fluorescent pink and purple, a saggy white gown, and a yellow Rococo-style ballgown. There were also two platform heels, a collection of grotesque accessories, and a few plastic prop weapons.

"The first three racks, I grabbed two each. The leftover accessories were discarded by the others," Wei Yao explained.

[OMG, those radioactive wigs!]

[Fairytale theme? More like clowncore!]

[That "dress" looked like shredded curtains!]

[Compared to others’ bad outfits, this group’s were catastrophically worse.]

[Can’t blame Wei Yao—too tiny to compete.]

[Only the shoes looked semi-normal here.]

As contestants organized their haul, the director announced through speakers:

"Preparation time begins! Two studios available—maximum 30-minute sessions per group. Requeue for additional time."

Amid the chaos, Liu Tian shouted, "Director! Where are the makeup artists?"

"No stylists or makeup artists! Photography only!" came the reply.

Both contestants and viewers reeled:

[Program group was sabotaging them!]

[What stylist could work with these rags?]

[Lowkey excited to see trainwreck results.]

[Expectation level: rock bottom.]

The program group provided five basic dressing rooms, each equipped with a full-length mirror, a vanity table stocked with basic cosmetics, and a changing screen for privacy.

Wei Yao paced anxiously. Though they were variety show participants, as a visually focused actress, she dreaded netizen ridicule for disastrous styling.

"Sigh… if only I’d grabbed normal pieces," she fretted.

"Steady," Song Yutian soothed, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We’ll tackle this systematically."

Song Yutian’s calming presence visibly settled Wei Yao’s nerves.

"What should we do now?" Wei Yao asked.

Song Yutian pondered for a moment. "Since the studio is unoccupied now, let’s first inspect the set designs and filming props to get a clearer picture. Also, Yao Yao, how are your makeup skills?"

Though Song Yutian knew basic makeup application, she typically wore only light foundation during the show and remained completely bare-faced off-duty, so her expertise was limited.

Wei Yao replied, "I’d say I’m fairly decent. When I first debuted, I often did my own makeup for schedules."

Song Yutian nodded. "Good. Let’s first survey the studio, then plan the overall shooting style based on available resources. You’ll handle the makeup. I can manage some basic hairstyling, so leave that to me."

"Alright!" Wei Yao agreed promptly.

Elsewhere, Liu Tian tentatively glanced at Gu Feng. "Brother Feng, maybe you should pick first?"

Gu Feng glowered at the two tacky wigs and bizarre outfits laid out on the table before them.

Liu Tian quietly added, "These are actually the better options. Brother Gu Feng, you haven’t seen the neon green and scarlet wigs yet."

His words offered no comfort. Gu Feng’s expression remained stormy.

Liu Tian attempted to diffuse the tension. "Brother Gu Feng, there’s no way out—you’re already aboard this pirate ship. We’ll have to make do with what’s here."

Gu Feng shot him a withering look, and Liu Tian promptly sealed his lips.

After prolonged hesitation, Gu Feng grudgingly selected a gray wig and a blue overcoat.

Liu Tian finally exhaled in relief.

Even Qin Yuanzhuo wouldn’t dare cross Gu Feng. Thankfully, no outburst occurred—Liu Tian wouldn’t have known how to handle it otherwise.

With finished submissions due that very evening and contestants solely responsible for managing wigs and outlandish costumes, time was pressing.

Contestants remained sequestered in the makeup room all morning, forfeiting lunch entirely.

By afternoon, the first participants began emerging with completed looks, ready for official shoots.

Liu Mengyuan and Zhang Chenyang appeared first.

To preserve suspense, photographers avoided capturing full-body shots of contestants’ finalized looks beforehand, opting for bust-length or facial close-ups instead.

This marked the first duo to reveal complete transformations to viewers.

Liu Mengyuan wore a vivid crimson gown with dramatic makeup, her hair dyed golden.

While clashing with her usual style, the actress’s natural poise prevented outright disaster—though the effect remained jarring.

Yet virtually no viewers focused on Liu Mengyuan.

All attention was seized upon Zhang Chenyang.

His golden-brown wig blended unsettlingly with his complexion, lending a grimy appearance. The azure bodysuit mercilessly highlighted every physical flaw.

[OMG, this dude’s visuals were assaulting my eyes.]

[Six-word review: ……]

[Thought full-body shots were withheld for a grand reveal… not a horror show.]

[Now I’m scared for Liu Tian—the program group better not ruin him!]

Zhang Chenyang beamed with misplaced confidence. "Mengyuan, don’t I resemble an anime character?"

Liu Mengyuan pointedly ignored him. "Let’s head to the studio."

To preserve mystery before final reveals, the livestream withheld studio footage.

Soon after, Liu Tian and Gu Feng emerged.

Liu Tian’s swift costume grab had secured relatively "normal" looks for both.

Though Gu Feng’s gray semi-long hair lent comic undertones, Zhang Chenyang’s earlier display had sufficiently lowered expectations, earning them passable reviews.

Their swift studio entry filled both filming spaces.

Next came Pei Hao and Zhong Yueli—the former sporting chestnut locks with an orange trench coat, the latter crowned with a cerulean wig and silver robes.

Unlike conventional idol navy dyes, the program group’s garish sky-blue wig represented a color rarely dared in entertainment circles.

Yet against Zhong Yueli’s porcelain skin and refined features, the absurd hue achieved improbable harmony.

A livestream freeze-frame could have easily passed for a cosplayer’s retouched promotional image.

[Zhong Yueli actually rocks this trainwreck look!]

[Zhang Chenyang needs lessons—THIS is anime protagonist material!]

[Who looks THIS good with clown hair? Only Zhong Yueli!]

[Credit the face, not the costume—the program group’s fashion sense is tragic.]

With both studios occupied, this group waited on sofas.

Two minutes later, another team exited the dressing room.

Zhong Yueli, resting with closed eyes, lazily glanced up at the noise—then stiffened in shock.